Context Clues in One-Blank Texts - GRE Verbal

The sentence makes a contrast between those who “criticized” the mayor’s decision and the way others responded. The adjective in the blank describes how this other “small group” reacted. "Lauded" means praised, which is the antonym of "criticized," and thus best completes the sentence.

“Quiescence” means complacency or passive acceptance, which is the only answer choice that would infuriate someone with a desire to act.

“Autodidactic” describes someone who learns on his own and teaches himself. The first phrase starting with “although” indicates that the word in the blank must be incompatible with using a conversation partner.

Chuck is set up to be the opposite of Bill, who is quiet, so Chuck must be talkative. "Loquacious" means talkative, so it is the answer.

The word that fills in the blank must contrast with a teacher who rambles. Were Deborah’s teacher more "laconic" (that is, were he more brief and to the point), then he would not likely deliver rambling speeches. "Loquacious" and "garrulous" both mean talkative, while "pedantic" means strictly concerned with formal rules and book learning.

"Inhibit" means to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level. The beginning of the sentence has the word _rather—_this is a clue that what occurs on the other half of the sentence will be the opposite of what is stated before; in this case, the bill limits production rather than increasing it.

"Unequivocal" means not subject to interpretation or more than one interpretation; in this case, there was only one way of explaining Van Gogh's death until new evidence arose. "Dubitable" here is an antonym of the correct word, meaning either open to doubt or questionable.

We know that we are looking for a word that is the opposite of how Arthur has been described, since "no one has ever" characterized him this way. So we are looking for a word that is the opposite of indulgent, and since an "abstemious" person is a person who practices self-denial, abstemious is correct.

The word "although" at the beginning of the sentence is a trigger word telling you that the introductory clause is opposed to the main clause of the sentence. "Brisk" can describe cool weather but it also can mean fast. The contrast in this sentence is between the boy's normal quick pace and the blank that we have to fill. "Expeditious" is too synonymous with work. "Irregular" and "unpredictable" are not direct antonyms. "Surprising" is wholly off the mark. The best answer is "plodding"—meaning slowly moving.

The word "liberal" is used in many ways today—most of which have political overtones. Its more general meaning is generous, coming from the Latin for "free." It is related to words like "liberty" and "liberate." "Liberality" is the character trait of being very free and generous with one's money. This sentence begins with "while," indicating that although many people thought one thing about Peter, those who knew him well knew something different. In contrast to liberality, "miser" works well. A miser is someone who hoards his or her money, avoiding spending it at all.

The "both . . . and" being used in the second clause helps to unpack why it was difficult to know what Justin would say. It seems that he would say conflicting things—hence the difficulty in guessing his next words. "Understatement" is a way of speaking that doesn't really address the true depths of some reality. For instance, a horrible murder might be called "kind of bad" by someone. This would be an understatement of the case. A great contrast to this is "hyperbole," meaning an expression that greatly overstates the case. For instance, someone might say that the day is the "coldest day ever" when it is not even at the point of freezing but merely brisk.

In contrast to being "inflexible," being "malleable" describes a temperament that literally is able to "bend" to the changing circumstances of life and living. The word is often used of substances—certain kinds of metal are more malleable than others. This contrast is indicated because of the introductory word "although." Although Thomas seemed to be one way—inflexible—he was in fact another—malleable.

Of the wrong answers, the one that is perhaps somewhat appropriate—though not completely correct—is "mendacious," meaning pertaining to lying. A "mendacious person" is a liar. (Perhaps "uncouth"—lacking good manners—is a temptation as well.) The general point, however, is a contrast. Ronald's friends are surprised because he is not acting morally upright—what a person with a scrupulous conscience would do. Therefore, he is acting in an immoral way. To be iniquitous is to be just that. "Iniquity" is another name for very immoral or unfair behavior.

Because the musician failed to “brighten the mood,” the word which will complete the sentence needs to indicate a slow, even sad tone. "Celebration" and "revival" are instantly struck out for their positive connotations, while "waltz" is a mood-neutral musical term. "Laments" may look like a potentially correct answer choice, but the term typically reserved for describing speech and writing, not music, making "dirges" the best answer choice.

“Tortuous” means unnecessarily twisted or difficult. It is the only choice that is both negative and can describe a metaphorical road.

This sentence indicates a kind of intensification. Many people seemed to think that Harry would merely be happy. The word "merely" provides the best indication that we want to describe him has being something more than "merely happy." A great intensifier for "happy" is "elated," which describes someone who is extremely happy.

This sentence hints that Miranda felt the need to present a much harsher critique of Neville's position. To "level" a critique is merely to state it, often frankly and honestly. All that we can say is that the critique will be severe, in contrast to its nicer, milder form earlier. The word "fierce" best expresses this increased severity.

This sentence is very obvious in calling for an intensified word to complete the first half of the sentence. In the first portion, the conversation is said to be a minor disagreement. To "escalate" means to increase in intensity—like an escalator going upwards in a building. When a conversation is "contentious," it is a heated disagreement. This well describes the escalation from a disagreement to something much worse.

The word "ameliorate" means to make better. The word "only" implies that John thinks that Patricia is overly concerned with the paper. He does not think she needs to go as far as she wants to in improving it. Therefore, it is best to choose the simple word "perfect." She wants it to be perfected, but John is telling her (effectively), "Just make it a bit better."

The idea here is well summarized in the old adage, "Time heals all wounds." The passage of time has helped make Joel's wounds reduce to nearly nothing at all. They may not be delights, but they are as wispy as a ghost—that is, as wispy as a phantom. The language is a bit metaphorical, but we do sometimes speak of vestiges / leftover realities as being "phantoms." This is the best option. Do not at all be tempted by "spirits," a word that is trying to confuse you in regard to "phantoms."